Charlotte County just rolled out new safety rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices.
Micromobility accidents are on the ride. Injuries are up nearly 21% every year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. These scooters and e-bikes are everywhere, but they come with their own set of risks that regular bikes just don’t have.
Just look at the numbers. E-bike injuries shot up an unbelievable 3,000% from 2017 to 2022. E-scooters aren’t far behind, with injuries rising 45% each year during that same stretch.
Kids take a big hit here. Children under 14 make up about 36% of all micromobility injuries, which is twice their share of the U.S. population. That’s a huge red flag.
And when people do get hurt, the injuries can be serious. E-scooter crashes, for example, often cause head trauma, about 18% of reported injuries in 2024 involved the head. E-scooters are actually riskier than e-bikes, mostly because they’re taller and have smaller wheels, so they’re less stable.
Then there’s the worst outcome. Between 2017 and 2022, at least 233 people died in micromobility-related incidents. Most of those deaths happened when riders collided with cars.
If you ride or walk in the unincorporated areas, here’s what you need to know in Charlotte County:
Where you can ride:
You’re good to go on sidewalks, crosswalks, intersections, multi-use paths, and any bike paths marked for riding. Stick to these spots, and you’re within the rules.
Speed limit:
Don’t push it—15 mph is the max on sidewalks, paths, and anywhere else you’re sharing space with others.
Yield to pedestrians:
Always give people on foot the right of way. Slow down when you pass, and make some noise—use a bell, horn, or just call out—so they know you’re coming.
Lighting (from dusk to dawn):
If you’re out after dark, make sure your ride has a white light in front (visible from at least 500 feet) and a red rear light or reflector (visible from 600 feet). It’s about staying visible and safe.
Helmets:
Anyone under 16—rider or passenger—needs to wear a helmet that fits right and meets federal safety standards. No exceptions.
Where you can’t ride:
Stay off trails, greenways, and greenbelts with anything powered. Those areas are off-limits.
Enforcement:
Law enforcement is watching. Break the rules, and you’ll face penalties under Florida law.
These new rules aren’t just about tickets. They’re here to keep everyone—riders, walkers, and cyclists—safe while we all share the same spaces.
For information about the new ordinance click Charlotte County Ordinance.
